Meralco Simul Play for Kids
Pasig City
1 of 22 Boards
Pasig City
1 of 22 Boards
Showing posts with label Opening: Ruy Lopez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Opening: Ruy Lopez. Show all posts
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
R4 Ople vs Sol Cruz
R1 Sanguan vs Sol Cruz
Valentine Cup
MERALCO, Pasig City, PHL
MERALCO, Pasig City, PHL
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Be7 7. Re1 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Bb7 10. d4
Everything is book line:
Fischer vs Stein in Sousse IZT 1967
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044022
Kasparov vs Karpov in WCh 1986 G16 where Kasparov sacrificed a N on move 33
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1067209
Kasparov vs Karpov in WCh 1990 G20 where Kasparov sacrificed a B on move 27
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/nph-chesspgn?text=1&gid=1067283
Anand vs Adams in WCh 2005 R3 where Anand sacrificed a R on move 25
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1361575
10... h6
Usual is 10... Re8.
11. Nbd2 Re8 12. Nf1 Bf8 13. Ng3 Bc8 14. Bc2 exd4 15. cxd4 g6 16. Bf4 Bg7 17. Qd2 Kh7 18. Bb3 Re7 19. d5 Nb8 20. Rad1 Nbd7 21. Nd4 Bb7 22. Rc1 Nc5 23. Bc2 Qe8 24. f3 a5 25. Bd3 b4 26. Bb5 Qc8 27. e5 Nxd5 28. Nc6 Bxc6 29. Bxc6 Nxf4 30. Qxf4 Bxe5 31. Rxe5 dxe5 32. Qf6 Qe6 33. Qxe6 Nxe6 34. Bxa8 c5 0-1
Thursday, February 16, 2012
FM Leonardo Carlos
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
The Ruy Lopez Opening was Rhal's baptism of fire in formal chess competition - 2007 Meralco Employees Day Simul by Asia's First GM Eugene Torre.
3... a6 4. Bxc6
The Exchange Variation was made famous by World Champion Bobby Fischer; Fischer vs Gligoric, Fischer vs Unzicker, Fischer vs Portisch, among others.
Rhal has been exchanged several times with 3 Wins (Abo, Tan and Pastor), 1 Draw (Constantius), and 2 Losses (Escutin and Corpin).
4... dxc6 5.O-O Bd6
Rhal has previously played this move vs another Leonardo - Constantius of Indonesia in the ASEAN Primary Sport Olympiad 2010 (1/2-1/2), and that game was reviewed with IM Dimakiling and NM Cabellon.
6. d4 exd4 7. Qxd4 f6 8. Nc3
Often played is 8. Be3, Constantius played 8. Re1 but 8. Nc3, though a logical developing move, is rare.
Bonner vs Rumens 1978
Vagle vs Ignat, Korinthos 2001
8... Ne7 9. Be3 Be6 10. Rad1 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm. Watson in Mastering the Chess Openings
11. h3 Ng6 12.Qd2 Qe7 13. Nd4 f5 14. Bg5 Qd7 15. Nxe6 Qxe6 16. Rde1 Qe5
Rhal missed a win with 16... f4 -+ 17 Ne2 Be5 18 h4 f3 19 Ng3 Qg4 20 Re3 fxg2 21 Kxg2 h6 22 h4 Qxg5 23 hxg6 Bf4. But this is not so easy to see.
17. f4 Qc5+ 18. Kh1 h6!
Rhal has trapped the B.
19. exf5 Qxf5 20. g4 Qf7 21. Bxh6 gxh6 22. f5 Nf4??
With around 5 minutes left on his clock, Rhal blundered. 22... Ne5 is the correct move.
A common error by novices is to exchange B and N for the opponent’s R and pawn. Harding in Better Chess for Average Players
25. Rd1 Rad8
In balanced positions, when neither side has any direct threats or concrete plan, it is necessary either to relocate your worst placed piece to its best square, or to exchange it off. Beliavsky and Mikhalchishin in Secrets of Chess Intuition
28. Qe5
[28. Qxh6 +-]
FM Leo is also short of time, not only vs Rhal but also in other boards.
28... Rd5
[28... Qd5=]
A Q trade not only ends the prospect of middle game shocks, such as enemy counter-attacks, it considerably increases the ways of converting an edge in the endgame.
Soltis in Turning Advantage into Victory
If your position is basically passive, you must meet threats as best you can, concentrating on exchanging as much as possible. Reinfeld in The Complete Chess Player
Result: 1/2-1/2
Friday, May 13, 2011
R3 Sol Cruz vs Forcado
Ruy Lopez Workshop
MERALCO, Pasig City
W: Rhal Sol Cruz
B: Ian Forcado
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Bxc6 dxc6 5 O-O Qd6 6 Nc3 Bg4 7 d3 f6 8 Be3 O-O-O 9 Qe2 Qd7 10 Rb1 h5 11 a4 b6 12 b4 Kb7 13 b5 cxb5 14 axb5 a5 15 Na4 Bxf3 16 Qxf3 Qg4 17 Qxg4 hxg4 18 Rb3 Bb6 19 c4 Ra8 20 c5 bxc5 21 Nxc5+ Bxc5 22 Bxc5 Nh6 23 b6 c6 24 Ra1 a4 25 Rba3 Ra6 26 Rxa4 Rha8 27 Rxa6 Rxa6 28 Rxa6 Kxa6
29 Kf1
[29 Bf8 +-]
29... Nf7 30 Bf8
Result: 1-0
R2 Sol Cruz vs Cobsilen
1 e4 e 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Bxc6 dxc6 5 O-O Qd6 6 d3 f6 7 h3 Be6 8 Be3 O-O-O 9 Nbd2 Qd7 10 Qe2 Ne7 11 a4
11... g5 12 Nh2 h5 13 b4 Ng6 14 Rfb1 b6 15 Nc4 [15 Nb3] 15... Kb7 16 Na3? [16 Qe1] 16... g4 17 b5? cxb5-+ 18 axb5 a5 19 Nc4 Bd6
20 Nxd6+ cxd6
21 Bxb6 Kxb6 22 Qe3+ Kb7 23 Rxa5 Ra8 24 Ra6 Qc7 25 b6 Qc5 26 Qxc5 dxc5 27 Rxa8
Result: 0-1
11... g5 12 Nh2 h5 13 b4 Ng6 14 Rfb1 b6 15 Nc4 [15 Nb3] 15... Kb7 16 Na3? [16 Qe1] 16... g4 17 b5? cxb5-+ 18 axb5 a5 19 Nc4 Bd6
20 Nxd6+ cxd6
21 Bxb6 Kxb6 22 Qe3+ Kb7 23 Rxa5 Ra8 24 Ra6 Qc7 25 b6 Qc5 26 Qxc5 dxc5 27 Rxa8
Result: 0-1
R1 Corpin vs Sol Cruz
Ruy Lopez Workshop
MERALCO, Pasig City
W: Justin David Corpin
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Bxc6 dxc6 5 O-O
This was Fischer's way of reinvigorating the Exchange Variation.
5... Qd6
5... Qxd6!? is one of Black's best options - after 6 Na3! b5 (6... Be6 7 Qe2 f6 is also possible) 7 c3 c5 8 Nc2 White plans both a4 and d4, and so has a tiny edge. Understanding the Chess Openings
5... Bg4. This is the most radical move and the one that was originally thought to be the most serious problem with 5 O-O. Mastering the Chess Openings
7 Nc3 Be6 7 Ng5 f6?
[7... Be7]
8 Nxe6 Qxe6 9 d3 O-O-O 10 Be3 Bd6 11 Qe2 Ne7 12 f4
12... exf4
We exchange in order to occupy or open a line without loss of time. My System13 Bxf4 Ng6
[13... h5]
A spearhead of pawns, supported by pieces, advancing on a K ay to Play Chess
14 Bxd6 Qxd6 15 Kh1 Kb8 [15... h5] 16 Rf2 Rhe8 [16... h5] 17 Raf1 Qb4 18 Nd1 Qd4 19 b3
D19
19... Re7?
20 Ne3 Rde8?? 21 Nf5 +-
Result: 1-0
MERALCO, Pasig City
W: Justin David Corpin
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Bxc6 dxc6 5 O-O
This was Fischer's way of reinvigorating the Exchange Variation.
5... Qd6
5... Qxd6!? is one of Black's best options - after 6 Na3! b5 (6... Be6 7 Qe2 f6 is also possible) 7 c3 c5 8 Nc2 White plans both a4 and d4, and so has a tiny edge. Understanding the Chess Openings
5... Bg4. This is the most radical move and the one that was originally thought to be the most serious problem with 5 O-O. Mastering the Chess Openings
7 Nc3 Be6 7 Ng5 f6?
[7... Be7]
8 Nxe6 Qxe6 9 d3 O-O-O 10 Be3 Bd6 11 Qe2 Ne7 12 f4
12... exf4
We exchange in order to occupy or open a line without loss of time. My System13 Bxf4 Ng6
[13... h5]
A spearhead of pawns, supported by pieces, advancing on a K ay to Play Chess
14 Bxd6 Qxd6 15 Kh1 Kb8 [15... h5] 16 Rf2 Rhe8 [16... h5] 17 Raf1 Qb4 18 Nd1 Qd4 19 b3
D19
19... Re7?
20 Ne3 Rde8?? 21 Nf5 +-
Result: 1-0
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
G1 IM Oliver Dimakiling
Training Game
White: IM Oliver Dimakiling
Black: Rhal Sol Cruz
McDonald's, Pasig City
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
This is the problem with answering e4 with e5, White can dictate the opening; Ruy Lopez as in this game, Italian with 3 Bc4, Scotch with 3 d4 and even Vienna with 2 Nc3.
3... a6
This is the choice of grandmasters. However, this leads to a complicated game which is way above Rhal's level.
4.Ba4
White has the option to go for the Exchange Variation that was popularized by World Champion Bobby Fischer.
4... Nf6
The main line.
5.O-O Be7
The main line. But Black can also play 5... Nxe4 or 5... b5.
6.Re1 b5
The main line.
7.Bb3 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm. Watson in Mastering the Chess Openings
The main line is 7... d6.
8.c3 d5
The Marshall Attack which debuted in Capablanca vs Marshall, Manhattan 1918.
9.exd5 Nxd5 10.d4
The main line is 10. Nxe5. IM Dimakiling has chosen a minor line played by Nisipeanu and Navara.
10... exd4 11.h3
The usual move is 11.cxd4. Rhal is taken off the book.
11... Bb7
A similar formation for Black is Navara vs Werle, Corus B 2009
12.cxd4 Qd7 13.Nc3 Bb4??
This is the problem with answering e4 with e5, White can dictate the opening; Ruy Lopez as in this game, Italian with 3 Bc4, Scotch with 3 d4 and even Vienna with 2 Nc3.
3... a6
This is the choice of grandmasters. However, this leads to a complicated game which is way above Rhal's level.
4.Ba4
White has the option to go for the Exchange Variation that was popularized by World Champion Bobby Fischer.
4... Nf6
The main line.
5.O-O Be7
The main line. But Black can also play 5... Nxe4 or 5... b5.
6.Re1 b5
The main line.
7.Bb3 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm. Watson in Mastering the Chess Openings
The main line is 7... d6.
8.c3 d5
The Marshall Attack which debuted in Capablanca vs Marshall, Manhattan 1918.
9.exd5 Nxd5 10.d4
The main line is 10. Nxe5. IM Dimakiling has chosen a minor line played by Nisipeanu and Navara.
10... exd4 11.h3
The usual move is 11.cxd4. Rhal is taken off the book.
11... Bb7
A similar formation for Black is Navara vs Werle, Corus B 2009
12.cxd4 Qd7 13.Nc3 Bb4??
14.Nxd5
[14.Bxd5 Bxc3 15.Bxc6 +-]
14... Bxe1 15.Nxe1 Na5 16.Ne3 Nxb3 17.axb3 Rfd8 18.d5
[18.N3c2]
18... Bxd5 19.Nxd5 Qxd5 20.Qxd5 Rxd5 21.Be3 Kf8 22.b4 Ke8 23.Nc2 Kd7 24.Kf1 Kc6 25.Ke2 Kb7 26.Bc5 Rad8 27.Be3 R8d7 28.Rc1 Re7
[28... Rd3]
29.Ne1 Rd4 30.Nd3 Rd5 31.Nc5 Kb6 32.Ra1 +-
Friday, April 29, 2011
R4 Cobsilen vs Sol Cruz
ASKALs Cup
Pasig City, Philippines
R4 G/45
White "Cobsilen"
Black "Sol Cruz"
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.d3 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.Nc3 d6 9.h3 Na5 10.Be3 Bb7 11.Qd2 c5 12.Bd5
12... Bxd5
[12... b4! 13.Na4 Nxd5 14.exd5 Bxd5]
13.Nxd5 Nxd5 14.exd5 Nb7 15.Rfe1 Qd7 16.b3 Bf6 17.Rab1
17... Rfe8
[17... b4 - 18... e4 - 19... Bc3 -+]
18.c4 b4!
19.Qc2 g6
[19... a5]
20.Nd2 Bg7 21.f4 exf4 22.Bxf4 Bd4 23.Kh1 Qf5 24.Bg3 Qg5 25.Bh2 Qh4 26.Nf3 Qf2! 27.Rxe8 Rxe8 28.Nxd4 Qxd4 29.Bg1 Qe5! 30.Bf2 Qe2 31.Rb2 Qxc2
32.Rxc2 Nd8 33.Bg3 Nb7 34.Rd2 Re3 35.Bf2 Re7 36.Kg1 Kf8
37.Bg3 Ke8 38.Kf2 Kd7 39.Bh4 Re5 40.g4 f5 41.Bf6 Re8 42.gxf5
42... gxf5
[42... Rf8!]
43.Bh4 Re5 44.Kg2 h5 45.Bg3
Result: 1-0
Pasig City, Philippines
R4 G/45
White "Cobsilen"
Black "Sol Cruz"
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.d3 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.Nc3 d6 9.h3 Na5 10.Be3 Bb7 11.Qd2 c5 12.Bd5
12... Bxd5
[12... b4! 13.Na4 Nxd5 14.exd5 Bxd5]
13.Nxd5 Nxd5 14.exd5 Nb7 15.Rfe1 Qd7 16.b3 Bf6 17.Rab1
17... Rfe8
[17... b4 - 18... e4 - 19... Bc3 -+]
18.c4 b4!
19.Qc2 g6
[19... a5]
20.Nd2 Bg7 21.f4 exf4 22.Bxf4 Bd4 23.Kh1 Qf5 24.Bg3 Qg5 25.Bh2 Qh4 26.Nf3 Qf2! 27.Rxe8 Rxe8 28.Nxd4 Qxd4 29.Bg1 Qe5! 30.Bf2 Qe2 31.Rb2 Qxc2
32.Rxc2 Nd8 33.Bg3 Nb7 34.Rd2 Re3 35.Bf2 Re7 36.Kg1 Kf8
37.Bg3 Ke8 38.Kf2 Kd7 39.Bh4 Re5 40.g4 f5 41.Bf6 Re8 42.gxf5
42... gxf5
[42... Rf8!]
43.Bh4 Re5 44.Kg2 h5 45.Bg3
Result: 1-0
Friday, November 5, 2010
R1 Constantius of Indonesia
ASEAN Primary School Sport Olympiad
Jakarta, Indonesia
R1 Standard Event
White: Leonardo Constantius [Indonesia]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6
The Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation.
This opening often leads to a Q-less middlegame, pitting White's static advantage (his opponent's doubled pawns) against Black's dynamic ones (the two bishops and an open central file). Watson in Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy
Rhal has been Exchanged many times in the past; once with GM Eugene Torre in 2009 and 6 times in tournament play with an impressive 5W-1L record: Abo (0-1) in Metropolitan 2010, Tan (0-1) in Pope John Paul II Memorial 2010, Buhat (0-1) in 4th Sol Cruz Memorial 2010, Pastor (0-1) in Shell NCR 2010, Jallorina (0-1) in Shell Batangas, and Escutin (1-0) in Shell Iloilo 2010.
4... dxc6 5. O-O Bd6
After 5. O-O, Black has many playable responses. If we can trust the statistics, the results with at least five alternative variations (5... Ne7, 5... Bd6, 5... Bg4, 5... Qd6, and 5... f6 ) are more or less the same. Chess Opening Essentials
a) John Nunn, author of Understanding Chess Move by Move
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1103791
b) Ivan Sokolov, author of Winning Chess Middlegames
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1059742
c) Larsen vs Carlsen 2005
d) Madl vs Kosintseva in Olympiad 2010
e) Savchenko vs Tomashevsky 2011
5... Qd6!? is one of Black's best options - after 6 Na3! b5 (6... Be6 7 Qe2 f6 is also possible) 7 c3 c5 8 Nc2 White plans both a4 and d4, and so has a tiny edge. Collins in Understanding the Chess Openings
6. d4
In the Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation, White usually plays d4 early in the opening; this advance leads mostly to an ending featuring a struggle between White's better pawn structure and Black's B pair. Euwe & Kramer in The Middlegame
6... exd4 7. Qxd4 f6 8. Re1 c5?
Every pawn move is to be regarded as loss of time, unless it helps to build or support the center or attack the enemy's center. Nimzovich in My System
[8... Ne7]
You must try to react to a pin as soon as possible, or even try to avoid being pinned. Yusupov in Build Up Your Chess
Polgar vs Perenyi 1979
Wahls vs Polgar 1988
9. Qc3
10.e5! Be7 11. Bf4! Bb7 12. Nbd2 Qd7! 13. Nc4 O-O-O 14. Rad1 Qg4
Botvinnik's Law: One aspect of technique that is overlooked or under appreciated is the attacking of unprotected enemy pieces.
15. Rxd8+ Bxd8 16. Bg3
16... Bxf3
[16... h5]
If the opponent is tied up, but your immediate threats aren't sufficient to win, bring another piece or pawn into the attack, or improve your position in other ways; then exchange into a favorable endgame. Harding in Better Chess for Average Player
17. Qxf3 Qxf3
An important part of positional play is to create permanent weaknesses in the opponent's camp. Aagard in Excelling at Positional Chess
18. gxf3 Nh6
You should try to identify the least active piece, the worst piece, in your own camp, and look for a way to activate it. Kosikov in Elements of Chess Strategy
19. Bf4 Nf5 20. c3 Nh4 21. Re3 Nf5
[21... Rf8 or 21... b5 or 21... fxe5]
22. Rd3 Re8!
A R placed on the central files, commanding open or semi-open lines, contribute strongly to center control. Heisman in Elements of Positional Evaluation
23. exf6
23... Bxf6
[23... Re1+]
The ideal which lies at the root of every operation in a file is the ultimate penetration by way of this file into the enemy's game, that is, to say our 7th or 8th rank. Nimzovich in My System
24.Kg2 Rd8?
[24... Re1]
Do not exchange automatically, for there are positions in which exchanges cause your material superiority to lose its effect. Euwe in Judgment and Planning in Chess
25.Rxd8 Kxd8 26. Be5 Bxe5 27. Nxe5 Ke7 28. f4 Ke6
Result: 1/2-1/2
Jakarta, Indonesia
R1 Standard Event
White: Leonardo Constantius [Indonesia]
Black: Raul Sol Cruz, Jr. [Philippines]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6
The Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation.
This opening often leads to a Q-less middlegame, pitting White's static advantage (his opponent's doubled pawns) against Black's dynamic ones (the two bishops and an open central file). Watson in Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy
Rhal has been Exchanged many times in the past; once with GM Eugene Torre in 2009 and 6 times in tournament play with an impressive 5W-1L record: Abo (0-1) in Metropolitan 2010, Tan (0-1) in Pope John Paul II Memorial 2010, Buhat (0-1) in 4th Sol Cruz Memorial 2010, Pastor (0-1) in Shell NCR 2010, Jallorina (0-1) in Shell Batangas, and Escutin (1-0) in Shell Iloilo 2010.
4... dxc6 5. O-O Bd6
After 5. O-O, Black has many playable responses. If we can trust the statistics, the results with at least five alternative variations (5... Ne7, 5... Bd6, 5... Bg4, 5... Qd6, and 5... f6 ) are more or less the same. Chess Opening Essentials
a) John Nunn, author of Understanding Chess Move by Move
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1103791
b) Ivan Sokolov, author of Winning Chess Middlegames
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1059742
c) Larsen vs Carlsen 2005
d) Madl vs Kosintseva in Olympiad 2010
e) Savchenko vs Tomashevsky 2011
5... Qd6!? is one of Black's best options - after 6 Na3! b5 (6... Be6 7 Qe2 f6 is also possible) 7 c3 c5 8 Nc2 White plans both a4 and d4, and so has a tiny edge. Collins in Understanding the Chess Openings
6. d4
In the Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation, White usually plays d4 early in the opening; this advance leads mostly to an ending featuring a struggle between White's better pawn structure and Black's B pair. Euwe & Kramer in The Middlegame
6... exd4 7. Qxd4 f6 8. Re1 c5?
Every pawn move is to be regarded as loss of time, unless it helps to build or support the center or attack the enemy's center. Nimzovich in My System
[8... Ne7]
You must try to react to a pin as soon as possible, or even try to avoid being pinned. Yusupov in Build Up Your Chess
Polgar vs Perenyi 1979
Wahls vs Polgar 1988
9. Qc3
9... b6
[9... Be6 10.e5 fxe5 11.Nxe5 Qe7 or 9... Qe7 10.Nbd2 Be6 11.Nc4 Bxc4]
An active position for the pieces is one of the most important elements of the positional struggle, possibly the decisive one. Kotov in Play Like a Grandmaster10.e5! Be7 11. Bf4! Bb7 12. Nbd2 Qd7! 13. Nc4 O-O-O 14. Rad1 Qg4
Botvinnik's Law: One aspect of technique that is overlooked or under appreciated is the attacking of unprotected enemy pieces.
15. Rxd8+ Bxd8 16. Bg3
16... Bxf3
[16... h5]
If the opponent is tied up, but your immediate threats aren't sufficient to win, bring another piece or pawn into the attack, or improve your position in other ways; then exchange into a favorable endgame. Harding in Better Chess for Average Player
17. Qxf3 Qxf3
An important part of positional play is to create permanent weaknesses in the opponent's camp. Aagard in Excelling at Positional Chess
18. gxf3 Nh6
You should try to identify the least active piece, the worst piece, in your own camp, and look for a way to activate it. Kosikov in Elements of Chess Strategy
19. Bf4 Nf5 20. c3 Nh4 21. Re3 Nf5
[21... Rf8 or 21... b5 or 21... fxe5]
22. Rd3 Re8!
A R placed on the central files, commanding open or semi-open lines, contribute strongly to center control. Heisman in Elements of Positional Evaluation
23. exf6
23... Bxf6
[23... Re1+]
The ideal which lies at the root of every operation in a file is the ultimate penetration by way of this file into the enemy's game, that is, to say our 7th or 8th rank. Nimzovich in My System
24.Kg2 Rd8?
[24... Re1]
Do not exchange automatically, for there are positions in which exchanges cause your material superiority to lose its effect. Euwe in Judgment and Planning in Chess
25.Rxd8 Kxd8 26. Be5 Bxe5 27. Nxe5 Ke7 28. f4 Ke6
Result: 1/2-1/2
Saturday, August 14, 2010
R2 Escutin vs Sol Cruz
Shell National Youth - Iloilo Leg
Iloilo City
R2 G/25
W: John Escutin
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 BxNc6 dxBc6 5 d4 exd4 6 Qxd4 QxQd4 7 NxQd4 g6 8 c3 Bg7 9 O-O Ne7 10 Bf4 c5 11 Nf3 c6 12 Bd6 b6 13 BxNe7 KxBe7 14 Nbd2 Be6 15 h3 h6 16 Rac1 Rad8 17 b3 Rd3 18 c4 Rhd8 19 Rfd1 Bc3 20 Rc2 Bxd2 21 Rcxd2 Rxd2 22 Rxd2 Rxd2 23 Nxd2 b5 24 f3 Kd6 25 Kf2 Ke5 26 Ke3 g5 27 g4 a5 28 a3 bxc4 29 Nxc4+ BxNc4 30 bxc4 a4 31 h4 gxh4 32 f4+ Ke6 33 Kf4 Kf6 34 Kg2 Kg6 35 Kh3 h5 36 Kxh4 hxg4 37 Kxg4
Result: 1-0
Iloilo City
R2 G/25
W: John Escutin
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 BxNc6 dxBc6 5 d4 exd4 6 Qxd4 QxQd4 7 NxQd4 g6 8 c3 Bg7 9 O-O Ne7 10 Bf4 c5 11 Nf3 c6 12 Bd6 b6 13 BxNe7 KxBe7 14 Nbd2 Be6 15 h3 h6 16 Rac1 Rad8 17 b3 Rd3 18 c4 Rhd8 19 Rfd1 Bc3 20 Rc2 Bxd2 21 Rcxd2 Rxd2 22 Rxd2 Rxd2 23 Nxd2 b5 24 f3 Kd6 25 Kf2 Ke5 26 Ke3 g5 27 g4 a5 28 a3 bxc4 29 Nxc4+ BxNc4 30 bxc4 a4 31 h4 gxh4 32 f4+ Ke6 33 Kf4 Kf6 34 Kg2 Kg6 35 Kh3 h5 36 Kxh4 hxg4 37 Kxg4
Result: 1-0
Saturday, July 17, 2010
R4 Maliam vs Sol Cruz
Shell Southern Tagalog Leg
Batangas City
R4
W: Elijah Maliam
B: Rhal Sol Cruz, Jr.
Result: 1-0
Batangas City
R4
W: Elijah Maliam
B: Rhal Sol Cruz, Jr.
Result: 1-0
Sunday, July 4, 2010
R4 Lat vs Sol Cruz
PACE Kiddies
R4 16U G/25
White "Lat, Jose Lorenzo"
Black "Sol Cruz, Rhal Jr."
Ruy Lopez C86
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6.Qe2 d6 7. Bxc6+ bxc6 8. d4 exd4 9. Nxd4 c5 10. Nc6 Qd7 11.Nxe7 Qxe7 12. Re1 O-O 13. b3 Re8 (13... Qe5 14. c3 Re8 15. f3 d5 16. Bb2 Bb7 17. c4 d4 $15) 14. Bb2 Qxe4 $15 15. Qxe4 Rxe4 16. Nc3 Re6 (16... Rxe1+ 17. Rxe1 Bf5 18. Re2 Re8 $17 19. Kf1 Rxe2 20. Kxe2 Bxc2 $19) 17. f3 Bd7 $17 18. Ne2 Rae8 19. Kf2 Nd5 20. c4 Nb4 21. Nf4 Rxe1 22. Rxe1 Rxe1 23. Kxe1 g5 (23... Nxa2 24. Kd2 Bc6 $17) 24. a3 Nc2+ (24... gxf4 $15) 25. Kd2 $11 gxf4 26. Kxc2 Bf5+ 27. Kc3 Kf8 28. Bc1 $11
1/2-1/2
R4 16U G/25
White "Lat, Jose Lorenzo"
Black "Sol Cruz, Rhal Jr."
Ruy Lopez C86
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6.Qe2 d6 7. Bxc6+ bxc6 8. d4 exd4 9. Nxd4 c5 10. Nc6 Qd7 11.Nxe7 Qxe7 12. Re1 O-O 13. b3 Re8 (13... Qe5 14. c3 Re8 15. f3 d5 16. Bb2 Bb7 17. c4 d4 $15) 14. Bb2 Qxe4 $15 15. Qxe4 Rxe4 16. Nc3 Re6 (16... Rxe1+ 17. Rxe1 Bf5 18. Re2 Re8 $17 19. Kf1 Rxe2 20. Kxe2 Bxc2 $19) 17. f3 Bd7 $17 18. Ne2 Rae8 19. Kf2 Nd5 20. c4 Nb4 21. Nf4 Rxe1 22. Rxe1 Rxe1 23. Kxe1 g5 (23... Nxa2 24. Kd2 Bc6 $17) 24. a3 Nc2+ (24... gxf4 $15) 25. Kd2 $11 gxf4 26. Kxc2 Bf5+ 27. Kc3 Kf8 28. Bc1 $11
1/2-1/2
Sunday, June 27, 2010
R7: Pastor vs Sol Cruz
Shell NCR
SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong City
R7 Kiddies Division
W: Carlo Pastor
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6
Among the popular openings, it is the Ruy Lopez where Rhal is ill-prepared. The only line he prepared was the Marshall Attack, with NM Gatus last October, for the ASEAN Primary School Sports Olympiad in Jakarta, Indonesia, his first international stint.
Though 3... a6 is the most popular reply by GM standard, maybe it would do Rhal good if he simply follow the basic principle of development of pieces, thus 3... Nf6 - Berlin Defense or 3... Bc5 - Classical Defense.
4.Bxc6
The Exchange Variation has the strategic idea of obtaining a K-side pawn majority after playing d4 and exchanging for the Black e-pawn. Modern Chess Openings
Here are some games from the World Champions:
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1132676
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1132718
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1241473
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1064762
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1012478
4... dxc6 5.Nxe5? Qd4! 6.f4? Qxe4+ 7.Qe2
7... Qxe2+
[7... Qxc2 8 Nc3 Be7 and if 8 Ng6+ Be7 -+]
8.Kxe2 f6
Do not let enemy pieces remain in your territory. Best Lessons of a Chess Coach
9.Nd3? Bd6
[9... Bf5 or 9... Bg4+]
10.g3 Ne7 11.Nf2 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm. Mastering the Chess Openings
12.d3 Re8
The Rs are best placed on the four center files, particularly if any should be open. The Right Way to Play Chess
13.Kd1 Bd7
This counts as development and more importantly, it connects the Rs. Let the games begin!
14.Be3? Nd5!
Pieces placed in the center enjoy the greatest freedom of action and have the widest scope for their attacking powers. Logical Chess
15.Bd2 Ne3+ 16.Bxe3 Rxe3
For all general purposes, the B and N have to be considered as of the same value, though most masters regard the B slightly favorably compared to a N. Chess Fundamentals
17.Re1
17... Rxe1+
When you have thus gained possession of the file, should your opponent try to dispossess you of it by playing one of his Rs on the same file, it is frequently better to defend with your R than to take his or remove your own. The Chess Player's Handbook
18.Kxe1 Re8+ 19.Kd1? Bc5
Botvinnik's Law
20.Nc3?? Bxf2-+
Result: 0-1
SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong City
R7 Kiddies Division
W: Carlo Pastor
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6
Among the popular openings, it is the Ruy Lopez where Rhal is ill-prepared. The only line he prepared was the Marshall Attack, with NM Gatus last October, for the ASEAN Primary School Sports Olympiad in Jakarta, Indonesia, his first international stint.
Though 3... a6 is the most popular reply by GM standard, maybe it would do Rhal good if he simply follow the basic principle of development of pieces, thus 3... Nf6 - Berlin Defense or 3... Bc5 - Classical Defense.
4.Bxc6
The Exchange Variation has the strategic idea of obtaining a K-side pawn majority after playing d4 and exchanging for the Black e-pawn. Modern Chess Openings
Here are some games from the World Champions:
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1132676
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1132718
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1241473
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1064762
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1012478
4... dxc6 5.Nxe5? Qd4! 6.f4? Qxe4+ 7.Qe2
7... Qxe2+
[7... Qxc2 8 Nc3 Be7 and if 8 Ng6+ Be7 -+]
8.Kxe2 f6
Do not let enemy pieces remain in your territory. Best Lessons of a Chess Coach
9.Nd3? Bd6
[9... Bf5 or 9... Bg4+]
10.g3 Ne7 11.Nf2 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm. Mastering the Chess Openings
12.d3 Re8
The Rs are best placed on the four center files, particularly if any should be open. The Right Way to Play Chess
13.Kd1 Bd7
This counts as development and more importantly, it connects the Rs. Let the games begin!
14.Be3? Nd5!
Pieces placed in the center enjoy the greatest freedom of action and have the widest scope for their attacking powers. Logical Chess
15.Bd2 Ne3+ 16.Bxe3 Rxe3
For all general purposes, the B and N have to be considered as of the same value, though most masters regard the B slightly favorably compared to a N. Chess Fundamentals
17.Re1
When you have thus gained possession of the file, should your opponent try to dispossess you of it by playing one of his Rs on the same file, it is frequently better to defend with your R than to take his or remove your own. The Chess Player's Handbook
18.Kxe1 Re8+ 19.Kd1? Bc5
Botvinnik's Law
20.Nc3?? Bxf2-+
Result: 0-1
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Buhat vs Sol Cruz
4th Casiano Sol Cruz Memorial Cup
MERALCO, Pasig City
W: Philip Buhat - Ramong Magsaysay High School
B: Rhal Sol Cruz, Jr. - La Salle Green Hills
Arbiter: IA/NM Elias Lao, Jr.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
The Ruy Lopez or the Spanish Opening.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruy_lopez
3... a6
This is the most popular reply according to Chessgames.com database. But it appears to run counter to the principle of rapid development of the pieces in the opening. Maybe Rhal should try Nf6 - Berlin Defense or Bc5 - Classical Defense.
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/explorer?node=21724&move=3.5&moves=e4.e5.Nf3.Nc6.Bb5&nodes=21720.21721.21722.21723.21724
4.Ba4 Nf6 5.Bxc6 dxc6 6.Nxe5 Qd4! 7.Nf3 Qxe4+ 8.Qe2 Qxe2+
Don't complicate. Exchange Qs and leave a R and 2 or 3 minor pieces on the board.
Think Like a Grandmaster
9.Kxe2 Bd6 10.h3 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm.
Mastering the Chess Openings
11.d3 Re8+
12.Be3 Nd5 13.Kd2 Nxe3 14.fxe3 Bd7 15.Nc3 Bb4 16.Rab1 Be6 17.Ke2 b6 18.a3 Bc5 19.Ne4 Bd6 20.Nxd6 cxd6 21.Nd4 c5 22.Nxe6 Rxe6 23.c4 Rae8
24.e4 f5 25.Kd2 fxe4 26.dxe4 Rxe4 -+
27.Rhe1 Rxe1 28.Rxe1 Rxe1 29.Kxe1 Kf7 30.Ke2 Ke6 31.Ke3 Ke5 32.g4 g5 33.b3 a5 34.a4 h6 35.Ke2 Ke4 36.Kd2 Kd4 37.Kc2 Ke3
Result: 0-1
MERALCO, Pasig City
W: Philip Buhat - Ramong Magsaysay High School
B: Rhal Sol Cruz, Jr. - La Salle Green Hills
Arbiter: IA/NM Elias Lao, Jr.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
The Ruy Lopez or the Spanish Opening.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruy_lopez
3... a6
This is the most popular reply according to Chessgames.com database. But it appears to run counter to the principle of rapid development of the pieces in the opening. Maybe Rhal should try Nf6 - Berlin Defense or Bc5 - Classical Defense.
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/explorer?node=21724&move=3.5&moves=e4.e5.Nf3.Nc6.Bb5&nodes=21720.21721.21722.21723.21724
4.Ba4 Nf6 5.Bxc6 dxc6 6.Nxe5 Qd4! 7.Nf3 Qxe4+ 8.Qe2 Qxe2+
Don't complicate. Exchange Qs and leave a R and 2 or 3 minor pieces on the board.
Think Like a Grandmaster
9.Kxe2 Bd6 10.h3 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm.
Mastering the Chess Openings
11.d3 Re8+
12.Be3 Nd5 13.Kd2 Nxe3 14.fxe3 Bd7 15.Nc3 Bb4 16.Rab1 Be6 17.Ke2 b6 18.a3 Bc5 19.Ne4 Bd6 20.Nxd6 cxd6 21.Nd4 c5 22.Nxe6 Rxe6 23.c4 Rae8
24.e4 f5 25.Kd2 fxe4 26.dxe4 Rxe4 -+
27.Rhe1 Rxe1 28.Rxe1 Rxe1 29.Kxe1 Kf7 30.Ke2 Ke6 31.Ke3 Ke5 32.g4 g5 33.b3 a5 34.a4 h6 35.Ke2 Ke4 36.Kd2 Kd4 37.Kc2 Ke3
Result: 0-1
Friday, April 16, 2010
R1 Tan vs Sol Cruz
Pope John Paul II Workshop
MERALCO, Pasig City
R1 G/25
White "TAN, Josh"
Black "SOL CRUZ, Rhal Jr"
Ruy Lopez C68
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6
Exchange Variation
4... dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. O-O Bd6 7. c3 dxc3 8. Nxc3 Ne7 9. e5
{Post your pieces centrally, so long as you can do so safely, without inviting the advance of the pawn-rollers. My System}
9... Bc5 10. Qxd8+ Kxd8 $15 11. Bg5 {Diagram #} Ke8
{In all cases, it is well to unpin the piece in question as quickly as possible, not only to give it back its freedom of action, but also to liberate the masked piece. The Middle Game in Chess}
12. Bxe7 Kxe7 $17 13. Rfd1 Be6 14. a3 Rhd8
{Don't let your opponent control open files with his Rs. - A Collection of Chess Wisdom}
15. Ne4 Bb6 16. b4 Rxd1+
{Simplification is desirable if we have superiority in material. My System}
17. Rxd1 Rd8 18. Rxd8 Kxd8 19. a4 Ba7 20. Neg5 h6 21. Nxe6+ fxe6 22. Nh4 {Diagram #} b5 23. axb5 {[%emt 0:00:00]} cxb5 24. Kf1 Bd4 25. Ng6 c5 26. bxc5 Bxc5 27. Ke2 a5
{The goal of endgame procedures is generally the promotion of a passed pawn. The Complete Chess
Player}
Result: 0-1
MERALCO, Pasig City
R1 G/25
White "TAN, Josh"
Black "SOL CRUZ, Rhal Jr"
Ruy Lopez C68
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6
Exchange Variation
4... dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. O-O Bd6 7. c3 dxc3 8. Nxc3 Ne7 9. e5
{Post your pieces centrally, so long as you can do so safely, without inviting the advance of the pawn-rollers. My System}
9... Bc5 10. Qxd8+ Kxd8 $15 11. Bg5 {Diagram #} Ke8
{In all cases, it is well to unpin the piece in question as quickly as possible, not only to give it back its freedom of action, but also to liberate the masked piece. The Middle Game in Chess}
12. Bxe7 Kxe7 $17 13. Rfd1 Be6 14. a3 Rhd8
{Don't let your opponent control open files with his Rs. - A Collection of Chess Wisdom}
15. Ne4 Bb6 16. b4 Rxd1+
{Simplification is desirable if we have superiority in material. My System}
17. Rxd1 Rd8 18. Rxd8 Kxd8 19. a4 Ba7 20. Neg5 h6 21. Nxe6+ fxe6 22. Nh4 {Diagram #} b5 23. axb5 {[%emt 0:00:00]} cxb5 24. Kf1 Bd4 25. Ng6 c5 26. bxc5 Bxc5 27. Ke2 a5
{The goal of endgame procedures is generally the promotion of a passed pawn. The Complete Chess
Player}
Result: 0-1
Sunday, February 7, 2010
NM Ricky Merano
This is Rhal's first session with NM Ricky who has trained now-GMs Bong Villamayor and John Paul Gomez. The training focuses on Rhal's handling of the opening, particularly the Ruy Lopez and the Hungarian Defense. Rhal's games vs Gio Mejia in Jakarta and vs Stephen Pangilinan in Xavier were analyzed. Then they played a game of Ruy:
W: NM MERANO, Ricky
B: SOL CRUZ, Rhal Jr.
MERALCO, Pasig City
Result: 1-0
6... Bc5
The position is Tiviakov vs Ponomariov in WCh 2001, Svidler vs Anand in Amber 2006, Adams vs Shirov in WCh 2007.
14... Nf4
Do not trade active pieces for inactive pieces.
Best Lessons of a Chess Coach
Rybka: 14... d5!? 15.exd5 Nxd5
16... g5
One of the most common weaknesses occurs when an ill-advised pawn move is made in front of the K.
The Modern Art of Attack
W: NM MERANO, Ricky
B: SOL CRUZ, Rhal Jr.
MERALCO, Pasig City
Result: 1-0
6... Bc5
The position is Tiviakov vs Ponomariov in WCh 2001, Svidler vs Anand in Amber 2006, Adams vs Shirov in WCh 2007.
14... Nf4
Do not trade active pieces for inactive pieces.
Best Lessons of a Chess Coach
Rybka: 14... d5!? 15.exd5 Nxd5
16... g5
One of the most common weaknesses occurs when an ill-advised pawn move is made in front of the K.
The Modern Art of Attack
Sunday, January 24, 2010
R3 Manahan vs Sol Cruz
XAVIER INTER-SCHOOL MEET
Xavier School, San Juan City
R3 Grade School Division, G/60
W: Ralph MANAHAN [Ateneo]
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ [La Salle]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. d3 Be7? 6. c3
6 Bxc6 + 7 Nxe5 is a pawn advantage.
6... b5 7. Bc2 O-O
Nothing is more important than safeguarding your K by castling early, within the first dozen moves, if possible. Evans in The 10 Most Common Chess Mistakes
8. O-O d5 9. exd5 Qxd5 10. Be3 Bg4
In the opening, a B is best placed for attack when it controls a diagonal passing through the center or when it pins a hostile N and renders it immobile. Chernev in Logical Chess
11. Nbd2 Bf5
12. Qe2 Rad8
It is usually good play to get command of an open file, that is to say, a file which is occupied by no other man, by stationing a rook at one end of it. Staunton in The Chess Player's Handbook
13. Ne4 Qd7 14. Nxf6+ Bxf6 15. Rad1 Qc8
16. d4 Bxc2 17. Qxc2 Rfe8 18. Bg5
![]()
18... Bxg5
[18... e4 19 Bxf6 exf3 20 Bh4, but if 20 Bxd8?? Qg4 -+, mate in 4 moves]
19. Nxg5 g6 20. dxe5 [20. Qe4] Nxe5 21. Rfe1 Nc6
22. Nf3 Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Rd8
[23... Ne5 24 Nxe5 Rxe5 & 25... Qe8]
24. b3 Rxd1+ 25.Qxd1 Qd8 26. Qxd8+ Nxd8
The position is equal but Rhal won in the endgame.
Result: 0-1
Xavier School, San Juan City
R3 Grade School Division, G/60
W: Ralph MANAHAN [Ateneo]
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ [La Salle]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. d3 Be7? 6. c3
6 Bxc6 + 7 Nxe5 is a pawn advantage.
6... b5 7. Bc2 O-O
Nothing is more important than safeguarding your K by castling early, within the first dozen moves, if possible. Evans in The 10 Most Common Chess Mistakes
8. O-O d5 9. exd5 Qxd5 10. Be3 Bg4
In the opening, a B is best placed for attack when it controls a diagonal passing through the center or when it pins a hostile N and renders it immobile. Chernev in Logical Chess
11. Nbd2 Bf5
12. Qe2 Rad8
It is usually good play to get command of an open file, that is to say, a file which is occupied by no other man, by stationing a rook at one end of it. Staunton in The Chess Player's Handbook
13. Ne4 Qd7 14. Nxf6+ Bxf6 15. Rad1 Qc8
16. d4 Bxc2 17. Qxc2 Rfe8 18. Bg5
18... Bxg5
[18... e4 19 Bxf6 exf3 20 Bh4, but if 20 Bxd8?? Qg4 -+, mate in 4 moves]
19. Nxg5 g6 20. dxe5 [20. Qe4] Nxe5 21. Rfe1 Nc6
22. Nf3 Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Rd8
[23... Ne5 24 Nxe5 Rxe5 & 25... Qe8]
24. b3 Rxd1+ 25.Qxd1 Qd8 26. Qxd8+ Nxd8
The position is equal but Rhal won in the endgame.
Result: 0-1
Monday, January 4, 2010
Abo vs Sol Cruz
Metropolitan Kiddies
St Francis Square, Mandaluyong City
W: Joshua Abo
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Bxc6 dxc6 5 h3 Bd6 6 d3 Nf6 7 Nc3 O-O 8 O-O Be6 9 Bg5 h6 10 Bxf6 Qxf6 11 d4 exd4 12 Nxd4
12... Rad8 -+
13 Qd2?? Be5!
14 Nce2 Bxd4 -+
Result: 0-1
St Francis Square, Mandaluyong City
W: Joshua Abo
B: Rhal Sol Cruz
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Bxc6 dxc6 5 h3 Bd6 6 d3 Nf6 7 Nc3 O-O 8 O-O Be6 9 Bg5 h6 10 Bxf6 Qxf6 11 d4 exd4 12 Nxd4
13 Qd2?? Be5!
14 Nce2 Bxd4 -+
Result: 0-1
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sol Cruz vs Sol Cruz
RUY LOPEZ - MARSHALL ATTACK
Training
W: Rolly SOL CRUZ
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ, Jr.
Result: 0-1
Training
W: Rolly SOL CRUZ
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ, Jr.
Result: 0-1
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